Love Across Time : Mahabharat

Twenty Eight : Memories and Moon

-𝓤𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷-

One month later...

The sound of rumbling thunder filled the air as dark clouds gathered, promising a refreshing downpour. Aanya emerged from her cozy hut and stepped out onto the open terrace, her face glowing with excitement. She gazed at the magnificent view of the dense forest, its lush greenery glistening in anticipation of the impending rain. As the first droplets began to fall, Aanya's smile widened, and she breathed in the earthy scent of the coming storm.

Jeevika, her dedicated personal assistant, called out to her from the shelter of the hut, urging Aanya to come inside and avoid getting wet. But Aanya shook her head, her dark eyes sparkling with joy as she remained steadfast on the terrace, embracing the natural spectacle before her.

With her hair flowing freely in curled waves, Aanya looked like a vision of ethereal beauty amidst the forest and the approaching rainfall. As she stood there, reveling in the moment, a group of majestic peacocks emerged from the depths of the forest, their iridescent feathers glistening in the dim light. With graceful movements, the peacocks began to dance, spreading their vibrant plumage in a mesmerizing display of colors, creating a scene of sheer elegance and enchantment.

Aanya's heart swelled with delight as she watched the spectacle of nature unfolding before her, feeling a deep sense of connection to the creatures and the forest that surrounded her. The dance of the peacocks seemed to mirror her own inner joy and exuberance, adding to the magical ambiance of the moment.

As the rain intensified, Aanya couldn't resist the urge to join the dance. With unbridled enthusiasm, she twirled and skipped among the graceful peacocks, her laughter blending with the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops, creating a nature. The weather had beckoned her into a joyful and carefree dance, and she embraced the moment wholeheartedly, feeling completely at one with the pulsating energy of the natural world.

"Rajkumari," Jeevika called out.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Jeevika? Don't call me that," Aanya turned to her, her hair dripping with water.

Jeevika had been sent by Balaram to accompany Aanya, as he was worried about her living alone.

"It's cold," Aanya shivered, walking towards Jeevika.

"Who asked you to get drenched in the rain?" Jeevika shook her head.

"It's fun," Aanya giggled. Her ears perked up as she heard a few footsteps nearby. She turned around to look into the forest.

"Who could be here at this time?" she wondered aloud.

As Aanya furrowed her brows, a sense of unease crept over her. She felt as if someone was watching her from the shadows of the forest. In a swift motion, her hand reached for a hidden dagger strapped to her waist. As the blade left her fingers, it spun through the air and embedded itself firmly into the trunk of a nearby tree with a resounding thud.

Alarmed by Aanya's sudden action, Jeevika hurried to her side, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of an intruder. But as they cautiously ventured deeper into the forest, there was no one to be found. The only evidence of another presence were the faint footprints in the mud, quickly being washed away by the relentless downpour.

"Did you see anyone?" Aanya asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Jeevika shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. "There's no one here now, but those footsteps... Someone was definitely watching us."